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2017.03.07

BFP-10 admits lack of firefighting equipment

The Bureau of Fire Protection in Northern Mindanao (BFP-10) on Monday admitted it lacked vital equipment in firefighting as an official appealed to building owners to comply with the fire code to avoid fire incidents.

“Compliance with building codes, the installation of sprinkler system, planning, fire drill and the presence of safety officers can help prevent fire in high-rise structures,” Tambalo said.

He said that the local fire department faces a major challenge that could address possible fire incidents in taller structures.

“Northern Mindanao has only five Rosenbauer fire trucks (and only) one is assigned in Cagayan De Oro. (This) truck is capable of reaching up to eight-level buildings,” Tambalo said.

The city has structures as high as 24 storeys, and the BFP-10 is relying on compliance from business operators to prevent fire by putting in place mechanisms such as fire sprinklers and exit routes, he said.

The city’s fire department needs aerial ladders to boost its firefighting capability, Tambalo said, adding they hope that the city government could help in the acquisition of such equipment.

He said that the effectiveness of the fire department’s services mainly relies on the availability of firefighting equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus.

Aside from the lack of equipment, the city’s fire department was grossly undermanned, considering that there were about 21,000 business registrants that had to be inspected by the fire department. (PNA)
LAP/BS/CD/JIGGER J. JERUSALEM